Coastguard Calling

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The Weather!

I’m writing this as tropical cyclone Pam bears down on the North Eastern Coast of New Zealand and you’ll be reading this after all the drama is over. At Coastguard, we spend a lot of time talking to people about boating safety, equipment, training and a host of other things. But, top of the list is making sure you check the weather and “If in Doubt, Don’t Go Out”. With New Zealand isolated in a vast tract of ocean, our weather can be unpredictable and, more importantly, change very quickly. That pleasant day can turn into a very bad experience if the wind gets up and the conditions are suddenly outside both your, and your boat’s, comfort zone. Obviously, common sense prevails: what is way too rough for a 4m tinny could well be perfect sailing weather for a 12m yacht – so knowing your own and your boat’s limits is important. Even on larger boats, put your lifejacket on and make sure everyone else has theirs on too. No-one’s day on the water has ever been spoilt by wearing a life jacket Our rescue vessels will go out in conditions when any sane boatie would be tucked up at home. We can get to people in most conditions but it can take us a lot longer because, although going at speed in really rough seas might not break our boat, the crew are only human and need to be in a condition to help when they get there. Remember: If you are the only boat in the trailer park, you might just stop and ask yourself ‘why?’ before you go out. Anyone who has travelled from the relatively calm waters outside Gulf Harbour to the Tiri Channel – which frequently is like a washing machine – will also know that the local conditions can be very uncomfortable once you get into more open water. Good news! Getting weather information has never been easier: it is broadcast constantly on Nowcasting VHF channel 20 and 21; it’s online, on the radio and there is a fantastic Coastguard App that shows you the weather now, plus forecasts and tidal information. Search Coastguard Northern Region in your App store – it’s invaluable and I use mine all the time. Stay safe on the water. Keith Roberts President Coastguard Hibiscus Inc. president@coastguardhibiscus.org.nz www.coastguardhibiscus.org.nz

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